William Saliba and Alexandre Lacazette send messages to under-fire Arsenal star

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Nicolas Pepe has put a bad week behind him by scoring on Thursday as Arsenal earned an impressive 3-0 away win over Molde in the Europa League – and three Arsenal players, including William Saliba, have responded to his Instagram.

Pepe, 25, was sent off last weekend for a headbutt on Leeds United defender Gjanni Alioski – which sees him miss Arsenal’s next three domestic games against Wolves, Tottenham and Burnley. Pepe has come under huge criticism.

While some blame has been thrown in the direction of Alioski for theatrically going down, Pepe’s attitude and mentality has been questioned in the media. However, he was thrown into the starting line-up against Molde.

Certainly, he looked like a man with a point to prove. The Ivory Coast international was easily the best player on the park, rattling the bar with a stunning 25-yard effort before netting with a superb finish. He posted on Instagram.

The win, which also saw Reiss Nelson tap home a Joe Willock cross and substitutes Emile Smith-Rowe and Folarin Balogun combine to score – with Balogun scoring his first senior goal for the Gunners. It saw Arsenal qualify for the knockout stages.

Willock also laid on an assist for Pepe’s goal and he commented on the winger’s Instagram post, saying: “You’re welcome”. Alexandre Lacazette’s teased Pepe, with his message translated as: “Pass a bit.”

Saliba also responded, the translation: “It’s important to keep repeating.”